Macular degeneration a group of diseases that result in a loss of detailed vision

In the early stage, people may notice a slight distortion or blurriness in their straight-ahead vision. This is known as geographic atrophy, and can be considered the end stage of dry AMD.

With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula. Other gene markers of progression risk includes tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 TIMP3suggesting a role for extracellular matrix metabolism in AMD progression.

Wet macular degeneration refers to leaking of fluid or blood from blood vessels under the macula. Progression to late stage may occur, however progression in each eye can differ.

It results in progressive loss of central vision. Exercising regularly and controlling weight can be beneficial for blood pressure and for overall health. For some people a supplement should also be considered. Low GI foods include most fruit and vegetables, whole grain cereals and whole grain breads and legumes Eat a handful of nuts a week Links: A dark adaptometer can detect subclinical AMD at least three years earlier than it is clinically evident.

To prevent this from occurring and to initiate preventive strategies earlier in the disease process, dark adaptation testing may be performed. Back to top Is AMD an inherited disease? The proliferation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF.

The interval between ongoing injections is determined by the ophthalmologist in consultation with the patient. The Macular Disease Foundation recommends adopting the following simple practices as a normal part of your diet. Several therapies are now available for the wet form of AMD. To schedule an exam in Medford, contact Medical Eye Center at or medicaleyecenter.

Early and intermediate stage Caused by the progressive build-up of waste material drusen under the retina. If the disease progresses to the wet form, patients may also see straight lines as wavy.

The first sign may be a need for more light when reading or doing close work. The risk of developing symptoms is higher when the drusen are large and numerous and associated with the disturbance in the pigmented cell layer under the macula.

Therefore, early diagnosis through regular ophthalmic examination is important. Usually the side or peripheral vision is not affected. Straight lines may look bent or wavy and reading or other routine tasks with the affected eye become difficult.

Limit the intake of fats and oils Eat dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily Eat fish two to three times a week Choose low glycemic index low GI carbohydrates instead of high GI.

Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration can be classified as either dry non-neovascular or wet neovascular. Diet and lifestyle are important for maintaining healthy eyes.

Early-onset forms of macular degeneration are genetic. Prevalence About one in seven Australians — or 1. Although there is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration, diet and lifestyle, including the use of an appropriate supplement, can help slow disease progression and vision loss.

Retina Dry AMD The wet form is characterised by a sudden loss of vision and is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the macula, followed by leakage and bleeding from these abnormal vessels. Geographic Atrophy[ edit ] Geographic atrophy also called atrophic AMD is an advanced form of AMD in which progressive and irreversible loss of retinal cells leads to a loss of visual function.

The causes of MD are not fully understood but certain risk factors have been identified in the development of the disease: Occurring most often among older people, it is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age Photodynamic therapy involves the use of a light-activating drug in combination with a "cool" laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

This includes early and intermediate forms of AMD, as well as the advanced form of dry AMD known as geographic atrophy. The type of macular degeneration you have will determine the treatment options recommended by your ophthalmologist.

Wet AMD accounts for about 10 percent of all cases of macular degeneration.Macular degeneration is a degenerative disease affecting the macula or center of the retina of the eye. It results in progressive loss of central vision.

Occurring most often among older people, it is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age Macular degeneration (MD) is the name given to a group of chronic degenerative retinal diseases that can cause progressive loss of central vision.

It affects the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform any activity that requires detailed vision. Age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD, is a medical condition that usually affects older adults.

This vision-stealing disease is the result of degeneration to the macula. It results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of the damage to the retina.

Usually the side or peripheral vision is not affected. Common macular diseases include: Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a silent and painless loss of central vision due to the degeneration or dying of cells in the retina.